{"id":927,"date":"2023-12-02T12:02:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T12:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitelogiq.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=927"},"modified":"2024-02-16T01:33:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T01:33:10","slug":"benefits-energy-efficiency-healthcare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sitelogiq.com\/blog\/benefits-energy-efficiency-healthcare\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Healthcare"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Hospitals spend thousands of dollars per bed in electricity each year. With such a high operating cost, it\u2019s no wonder many hospitals are seeking to conserve energy. Energy conservation in hospitals takes skill and coordination, but the results can save money and even help patient outcomes and their recovery process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

What Are Common Energy Efficiency Problems in Healthcare?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

The healthcare industry is complex. In pursuing the noble goal of saving lives, hospitals have unique needs. For an industry that uses far more energy than most, it can be difficult to get a healthcare facility running efficiently. Several factors make it challenging to achieve energy-efficient operations in a hospital setting, including:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

1. Operating 24\/7\/365<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Patients need around-the-clock care, and life-saving equipment needs constant power generation. While most buildings can be more energy efficient by limiting usage after hours, there is no after-hours time for healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Plus, 24-hour operation can delay technology upgrades. Any work on energy conservation systems in the building must be carefully coordinated so it doesn\u2019t interrupt daily activities or take place in a patient\u2019s room. Even work in an unoccupied patient or care room must be coordinated with staff and facility managers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

2. Health and Safety Concerns<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

When embarking on energy conservation initiatives, hospital facility managers and energy partners must be keenly aware of the sensitive environment. The health and safety of patients, staff, visitors, and others must be a central consideration throughout every project. The extra precautions required can make energy conservation projects more time-consuming and costly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Contamination can be a safety concern that delays new energy projects. Energy contractors need to be creative when finding workspaces and storage areas. They must work hand-in-hand with staff so they don\u2019t impact patient care. Energy consultants need to work with a hospital\u2019s Infection Control Department to keep patients safe. A common step is to ensure the team has received flu shots and is properly vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Air quality is another crucial concern. Construction projects must use containment carts to collect dust while working, and partitions may be used to separate areas where work is ongoing. Workers must also take care not to block access to critical areas or hospital equipment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

In addition, lighting can have a direct impact on safety long after a project is complete. Facility staff and patients travel between the hospital and their vehicles at all hours of the day and night. It is necessary to have appropriate lighting in place so everyone feels safe entering and exiting the facility no matter what time it is.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

3. Expanding Facilities Over Time<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Many well-established hospitals have an ad-hoc layout. As facilities expand, new wings extend from the original building. When this happens, newer areas often have different energy infrastructure than the older areas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Older areas may have outdated, less efficient lighting and HVAC systems. New spaces may have better insulation and layouts designed to reduce energy consumption, while older areas of the building may be less efficient.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

When a building has a disjointed energy framework, it can be harder to make it operate at peak efficiency. When new sections are connected to older ones, they may use the same older HVAC system, for instance. Taking full advantage of the energy-efficient features of newer wings may require updating older spaces as well, which increases the costs of renovation projects.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

4. Rising Energy Costs<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

The rising cost of energy is a concern for every business. Energy prices naturally fluctuate due to market conditions. Hospitals have sophisticated buildings, high rates of product procurement, and high transportation costs. These factors make the healthcare industry more susceptible to spikes in energy costs. They also make limiting dependence on resources a top priority for hospital facility managers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Learn About Our Energy Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

How Will Energy Efficiency Benefit Healthcare\u00a0Facilities?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n

Choosing to become more energy-efficient offers a whole host of benefits for the healthcare sector. Most convincing is the savings from reduced energy usage each month. Improving energy conservation in healthcare facilities such as hospitals can also simplify facility management and help the environment. Increasing energy efficiency can help healthcare facilities to:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n
    \n
  1. Identify Low and No-Cost Savings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  2. Make Low-Risk Investments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  3. Effectively Integrate Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  4. Create a More Comfortable Environment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  5. Offer a Professional and Modern Appearance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  6. Discover New Build Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n
  7. Reduce Environmental Impact<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n

    1. Identify Low and No-Cost Savings<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
    \n

    As you develop a facility energy conservation plan, you\u2019ll uncover numerous potential cost savings, including some which require only a relatively low upfront investment or no upfront investment at all. Some of these potential upgrades include:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

    \n